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It’s not hard to see that this past year hasn’t been easy for me emotionally or spiritually. Though my recent posts might give the impression that I’m down in the valley all the time, as I mentioned in the previous post, I’m actually quite cheery in person because of the wonderful group of friends God has provided to support and pray for us.

Just this week one of these dear friends emailed to see how I’m doing. Our conversation was brief but her encouragement uplifted my spirit all week and I’m eternally grateful to her and many of our other friends for their extra love and care.

So today, in honor of these dear friends I’d like to share a song from Imai Miki, one of my favorite singers. It’s a song about friendship and since it’s only in Japanese, I’m posting a rough English translation.

The video doesn’t tell much of a story but Imai Miki (who appears in the video) is beautiful…I hope that you will enjoy this simple but heartfelt song.

My dear friends,

I know that all of you face your own struggles yet you take the time to share in my burdens. Thank you for crying and laughing with me through all of the ups and downs.

I love you and hope that someday I will be able to lend you the same kind of strength and comfort as well.

**************

「友だち」今井美樹

Tres chere amie

Dearest friend

ありがとう

Thank you

返事がまた遅くなってごめんなさい

I’m sorry to reply late again

あの日からあなたのこと

とても心配してたの

Ever since that day I’ve been so [or very] worried about you

元気になってよかったわ

I’m glad that you’re now [feeling or doing] better

彼も気づいたでしょう

I’m sure he must have also realized (by now)

やっぱりあなたが誰よりいちばん

大切だってこと

that you are more important than anyone else after all

何げない私からの

言葉に救われたなんて 不思議よね そう言われて

I was amazed when you told me that something I had said offhand [or casually] actually helped you

私も励まされたわ

[And] I was in turn encouraged by what you said.

一年前のあの頃と 想像できないくらい 空気も時間も今は穏やかに 流れてる感じよ

Space and time seem to be passing by so calmly now in a way that is unimaginable (at that time) a year ago.

あの時 あなたやみんなが 支えてくれたことが 今でも私の宝物だって いつでも思ってる

The support that you and everyone gave me at that time is my treasure [or is precious to me] even to this day.

A bientot また逢いましょう

Goodbye. Let’s meet again!

Je t’ embrasse 連絡ください 待っているわ

“Hugs and kisses” Please be in touch [or contact (me)]. I’ll be waiting.

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Note: the original Japanese flows beautifully but my literal English translation is choppy. I’m not completely happy with the translation so I will probably play around with it some more to see if the English can flow as smoothly as the original – please check back later if you’re interested.